New ideas for Spring…

Kicking it old school.. what do you think? Should I do more handpainted patterns?

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Printsource August 16′

Printsource August is over!
I’m so very happy I attended this show! I was a little nervous (what else is new) since August is usually slower than May and January, but I decided to go for it. I’m so glad I did! I made some great new connections, sold a bunch of artwork, and got into some new product categories! Kids undies, fleece fabric, and pool toys! Can’t wait to see the new products!

I also can’t wait to go back in January. See you this winter NYC! But first, let me enjoy the rest of this summer and even some fall.

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Sketch to finish..

Want to see how I do my vector doodles?

First I start with a doodle, then I re-draw the doodle with my fancy art pens, then I scan the image and auto trace the image in Illustrator. After I clean it up and add some color it still looks hand drawn, but it’s vector! Neat, huh?
Okay.. the art pens aren’t that fancy.

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Holiday Fun in the Sun

Ahh! June.. the best time to get outside, enjoy the sun, and work on some Holiday prints!
Getting ready for Printsource August! Simply the best time of year to be in NYC. I’m looking forward to it already! Didn’t I just get back?

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1st Blueprint show

Blueprint is over.. what a whirlwind! I can’t believe 5 days flew by just like that! This was definitely a show of a different color (pun intended). Everyone exhibiting and circulating the show all admitted openly to feeling the energy and comrodery at Blueprint. I have to admit I was unsure how I would do at this particular show as it was  full of talented artists and prolific agencies. Not to mention the majority of the buyers were from the paper product industry. Seeing as I have mostly been selling to fabric and apparel companies, I was very curious and eager to see how the paper and gift industry would accept Designastration Studio. Much to my delight I had a very successful show! Most of my design friends know that I’ve been itching to have my designs on wrapping paper, and it was a dream come true when several wrapping paper companies stopped by and purchased some of my most special designs. I’m so excited to share that my artwork will also be on greeting cards, gift bags, party tableware, and even stationary! One of the giftwrap buyers also mentioned the possibility of using the characters in the design for wall decals!
Everyday of the show was busy except for Sunday, which also happened to be the opening day at Surtex. On Sunday the artists and studios spent some of the slow time getting to know each other and having so much fun. Artists from the UK, Europe, and from all over the US all pitching in, sharing ideas, and talking about art. How could you not fall in love with Blueprint?

 

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Featured on Print & Pattern!

Oh happy day! Dreams do come true! Bowie Styles was kind enough to post some of my artwork and Blueprint flyers on her famous blog: Print & Pattern.  Every morning I enjoy my coffee while seeing what wonderful artwork she has lovingly posted on her blog; and this time I got a lovely surprise 🙂 How exciting!

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Out of the Blue..

A year or so ago, while I was researching trade shows for the surface design industry, I started coming across whispers of a brand new show that would be starting soon called Blueprint. After a bit of research I discovered that Blueprint was the brainchild of Cinnamon Joe Studio, a studio whos artwork often inspires and delights me. I became fascinated by the idea of this new type of show.. (imagaine! a show created by artists!) I watched their website and blog for any clues and details. From what I could tell exhibiting at the show was by invite only and it consisted of the most prolific artists and agents in the industry.
The success of their first show became more then just industry gossip and rumors. During my visits to other shows, the whispers of Blueprint turned into a growing excitement. They have since had their second show and after hearing so much about their great accomplishment I wrote to Cinnamon Joe/Blueprint and crossed my fingers.
A few days ago I got a call from the UK. Due to a last minute change… Blueprint had one extra spot!

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Merry Easter-mas!

Something all designers and illustrators can relate to is the flip-flopping of the seasons. In Springtime I was working on Holiday prints.. now that it’s the Holidays.. well.. I’m drawing a lot of cottontails!
Not gonna lie: Still listening to Christmas music (with an erie smile on my face) while I’m drawing the eyelashes on all those critters.

New images on the website! Check them out: www.Designastration.com

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Trade Show Secrets Videos…

If you are starting to think about wether or not you and your artwork are ready to exhibit at a trade show; you should check out these videos! Printsource New York’s Producer, Massimo Iacoboni, gives a lot of answers to some important questions like: How many pieces should you have before investing in a booth? Is it okay to share a booth if you do not have the funds to exhibit alone? How should you present your work?

Trade Show Secrets Part 1

Trade Show Secrets Part 2

More Info on Printsource’s website

These videos would have answered most, if not all of, the questions I had when I was considering exhibiting at a trade show. I hope they help you if you’ve stumbled upon this this blog seeking answers. Also, don’t be shy! I love to talk about all things art. Want to talk about art? Drop me a line 🙂

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Already been a week…

Printsource New York Booth – Jan 2015

Designastration’s Printsource Debut of 2015 is over. And boy-oh-boy was it wonderful! I can’t believe it’s already been a week since. It was just about this time last week that I had just finished packing up the booth. Some things are still sitting wrapped up in the corner of my studio waiting for me to put them away… sigh. So the recap: Upon entering the Metropolitan Pavilion Monday night, the first thing I noticed immediately was one of my designs (Vroom!!) smacking me in the face when I approached the front desk. Very cool to see my artwork first on the trend wall, waiting for everyone to see! I took it as a good sign. I was at booth C26 which was at the end of one of the back rows. Although ‘the end of one of the back rows’ sounds like a distant land, far from the action of the expo, it was actually a great spot! Right on the corner facing tables of the snack bar. I introduced myself to my neighboring booth: Nick and Nichola from Pattern Boutique. It was their first show and they came all the way from Scotland!  We became friends instantly. Super sweet people with amazing work! Set up went fast thanks to my mommy who accompanied me on the journey. Tuesday morning I raced (crawled down a traffic filled street in a cab while chewing on my belt in anticipation) over to the Pavilion with 10 minutes to spare before opening. I have to admit, I was EXTREMELY nervous. Also, the room was sweltering! Was it just me or was that place boiling hot?  It took a few minutes for the first group to work their way to the back of the large room. The first person approached my booth.. (okay Tiffany.. you came all the way here.. you poured your soul into all this artwork.. you’ve spent a small fortune on this.. Do.. not.. blow.. it!! Say something! Be yourself and say hello!) Her eyes brushed over my artwork and then looked at me expectantly. “Hi!” I said, “I’m new and extremely nervous.” We both smiled and laughed. The first day of the show continued on in a whirlwind. So many people, buyers, and artists came by my booth. I’m plum almost out of business cards! I got many compliments on my booth and overall presentation. My cut-out-stand-up characters were a big hit and got a lot of attention. They really helped to break the ice, draw people in, and at the same time showcase my special talent: lovable, approachable characters. My little, Mushka pins were a big hit as well. I had 50 to start with and I had to squirrel away the last 2 for myself. A lot of visitors took them to bring home to their kids. I really like the idea of that! One other thing that buyers commented/appreciated on were these post-it notes I had printed. They have my name and website on them and I used them to keep track of the prints that buyers wanted to revisit later. I’d write down the prints’ id numbers and the buyer would stick the post-it in their notebooks or in their wallets. They were a little pricier then my other swag, but I’m so glad I made the effort there. More then once they were called ‘smart’. The second day was definitely much slower then the first day, but still pretty busy. The morning of the second day was also when I made my first sale right from the booth. There were a few lulls in the afternoon and it was during those times that the artist would venture out of their stalls and visit each other. I met Ty and Dana from Jelly-box design who were right across from Nick and Nicola. It was their second (or third?) show and I was extremely encouraged to see them have such a successful couple of days. Everyone gave the same advice: Come back! I should come back soon and come back as often as I can. You bet I’ll be back!

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